Suspect Apprehended After Passing Counterfeit Currency

Published on July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sergeant Craig Phillips, Patrol Watch Commander

Phone: (626) 403-7265

Email: wc@southpasadenaca.gov

Subject: Suspect Apprehended After Passing Counterfeit Currency

South Pasadena, CA – On July 15, 2025, at approximately 4:13 p.m., the South Pasadena Police Department received a report from a local restaurant in the 700 block of Fair Oaks Avenue regarding a suspect who had allegedly attempted to pay for services using a counterfeit $100 bill. The reporting party advised that the suspect then crossed the street and entered another nearby restaurant.

As responding officers attempted to contact the suspect, later identified as Lamar Peton, a 34-year-old from North Hollywood, he immediately fled the scene on foot. While fleeing, Peton began discarding multiple counterfeit $100 bills. When officers caught up with him, Peton physically resisted and fought with them. A taser was deployed as a less-lethal option, allowing officers to subdue and take him into custody.

Peton was arrested for possession and passing of counterfeit U.S. currency, obstruction and resisting a police officer, and assault on a police officer. His vehicle, located nearby, was found to contain additional evidence including counterfeit currency and a significant quantity of illegal narcotics. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries and later booked on multiple felony charges. Peton has an extensive criminal background including several violent encounters with law enforcement.

During the foot pursuit, one officer fell and was struck by an unrelated passing vehicle. The officer sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The officer is expected to make a full recovery.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to call the South Pasadena Police Department at (626) 403-7265. If you would like to provide an anonymous tip, you can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

For more information about the City of South Pasadena, visit www.southpasadenaca.gov. Follow us on social media to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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